Burden

1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Let me say first, my experience is about to be shown here, not yours, mine. Please do not receive this as a chastening. It is how I have felt about the burdens placed upon me by men who had good intentions but who burdened me nonetheless.

Paul is acknowledging the importance of support which has been given by the Christians in Corinth. It is his desire not to place a burden upon the people when he comes. What he is asking of these people is an important issue with me as to support, that we do not leave the Lord out of it.

Often times we put our fellowship on the spot, we burden them with the need which can and sometimes does raise up emotional decisions. What we should do is ask them to look at the blessings which the Lord has provided, as God hath prospered. Getting God involved early in provision through prayer and thoughtful consideration will allow people to respond with gladness.

I have limited income but I can plan a budget and evaluate needs. The needs of others is part of that plan but the sudden burden of announced needs places many of us in a place of reacting emotionally rather than in stewardship. Stewards always obeys his Lord’s commands without emotional consideration. So why do we ask people to react without considering the Lord first?

I think Paul’s approach here is valid. Prayerful consideration of the Lord’s provisions should come first. In that way we do not burden others with anything more that seeking God’s will and answering as a good steward would.

Once again, that has been my past experience. Yours may vary.

 

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